Hello,

Im new to photography and looking to buy my first camera. Any one have any good recommendations? Looking for a camera that wont break my back.

Thanks

 

Well, depending on your photographic intentions, financial ability, and willingness to learn a lot of important information, you are presented with a wide selection.

First of all go here: http://www.dpreview.com A great photography website with reviews, tutorials, buying guides, etc.

Also, go here: http://www.digital-photography-school.com

In general, if you just want to have a compact camera to take on a trip and capture snap shots, there are a slew of affordable compact point and shoot style. ~$120-200

If you want to learn a little more and have some more functionality, there a nice selection of high feature point and shoots with many that have super-zooming capabilities. ~$200-500

If you have the pocketbook to support it, and the seriousness to take the time to learn about all the basics of photography, you could look at an entry-level DSLR. ~$450-1000 for entry level equipment.

Read those two websites from top to bottom. You'll discover that you have far more to consider than you probably realize before you make a purchase decision.

Good luck!

 

If you are looking for the prosumer grade, I suggest this one.
Newegg.com - Canon EOS Rebel XSi Black 12.20 MP 3.0" 230K LCD Digital SLR Camera w/EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

Its just awesome and its only $700.

 

Im looking mostly in the price range of 200-300.

Thanks for the websites! There just what I was looking for.

 

Then your looking for a point and shoot. There are a lot of great ones out there. I would personally stay with Nikon or cannon. The are the leaders in digital imaging right now and I love Nikon, however there are good options from both companies at that price.

 

If you're wanting to take the shooting seriously and want the control of a digital SLR on that budget, look into a used DSLR. I bought both of mine (yep, one for each hand) off the classifieds at Sports Photography and Photojournalism for Professional Photographers and Photography | SportsShooter.com. Most of the classifieds are only viewable by members, but some are open to the public. You need an IMPRESSIVE portfolio to get on as a member. Most of the members there are working professionals in the media, and when they upgrade, last generation's stuff goes up for sale.

Craigslist might be viable in your area - there are plenty of used DSLRs here in Atlanta on there, but one wonders if they're too hot to touch, y'know?

Bottom line, do your homework, and while we offer lots of suggestions, make your own decisions. Cameras are just as varied as an artist's brushes and what fits one's hand may not in another's.

(Still shooting with a Canon 10D and a 1D.. both older than dirt but they refuse to die!)

 

I'm in the market for a digital SLR and was advised to go for the Cannon. It was said to have a stronger lens mount and the user interface was less complex for a beginner.

AZFlyer, thanks for the sites. I'll start reading.

 

Canon SD880

Canon makes great point and shoots. My wife has a 6mp that we've been using for a few years. We got her camera refurbished and its worked totally great from day one. There are a few places that sell refurbished electronics the one I've used is RefurbDepot.com - Homepage - #1 Source For All Things Refurbished

 

I use a Canon 20D and I find it to be a great for a beginner or someone abit more experienced.

 

Hey, no problem. I'm a Nikon guy myself. I have a D60 with a couple of zooms. I like it a lot and it is very easy to get around the menus and use the controls. I've posted some threads with shots I've taken with it on these boards.

Take look around, there are quite a few good entry DSLRs out there now. Brands to look at: Nikon, Canon, Lumix (Panasonic), Pentax, Sony, and Olympus. And if you are a rich man, you can look at Leica.

They all have something worth looking at.